Play Golf America University continues to host check presentations

A check presentation was made to Grambling State University on behalf of 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Corey Pavin.

By

PGA of America

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Published: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 | 2:55 p.m.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- St. Patrick's Day was a lucky day for Grambling State University in Louisiana as they were presented with a $25,000 check on behalf of 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin.

U.S. Ryder Cup Team members each received $50,000 to donate to colleges and universities of their choice to help support or start that school's Play Golf America University program. Team Captain Corey Pavin elected to use his funds to support The PGA of America's diversity initiatives and split his donation between Grambling State University ($25,000) and Spelman College ($25,000), two historically black colleges/universities.

"I have huge respect for Grambling State University as an institution and am honored to be a part of establishing the Play Golf America University Program for its students," said Pavin. "With more than 100 years of history and tradition, I believe that Grambling will be a great recipient of this program. I hope to continue to see the game of golf diversify as more and more young adults of all backgrounds acquire the desire to pick up clubs and hit the golf course."

Robert Brown, Executive Director of the Gulf States PGA Section, presented the $25,000 check and an award plaque on behalf of The PGA of America to Dr. Frank G. Pogue, Grambling State University President, last Thursday. Dr. Pogue spoke to the students, faculty and members of the President's Executive Council in attendance, acknowledging his gratitude on behalf of Grambling State University for the donation of funds and expressing his wish to see the program continue for a long time. On hand for the presentation was Dr. Kenoye Eke, Interim Vice President Institutional Advancement; Dr. Willie Daniels, Head, Department of Kinesiology, Sports and Leisure Studies; and Donald J. Donohue III, PGA Member Golf Professional – Instructor for the Golf Program. Members of the audience were enthusiastic about having access to a golf program through Grambling and are looking forward to receiving lessons from Donohue.

Play Golf America University is a PGA of America college and university golf program designed to teach and engage students in the game of golf through PGA Professional instruction and other golf programs. Since the Ryder Cup Outreach Program began in 1999, more than $15 million has been donated on behalf of the Ryder Cup team and captain, with more than $6.7 million of that amount going to PGAU programs at colleges and universities. Since 1999, and covering a total of six U.S. Ryder Cup Teams and captains, a total of 149 player-designated charities and 50 colleges and universities have received funding from the Ryder Cup Outreach Program.